Immediate release: 14:00, 03.08.2016
BBC CHILDREN IN NEED APPOINTS NEW CEO
Today (Wednesday, August 3rd) BBC Children in Need announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus.
Simon, who will make the move from his current position as CEO of Addaction, has worked in both the voluntary and public sector over the past 20 years, and held senior positions in a number of organisations including Scope and Parkinson’s UK.
Announcing his appointment, BBC Children in Need’s Chairman, Stevie Spring, said: “Simon has a track record of strong leadership and we are confident that he will take BBC Children in Need from strength to strength, changing the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to congratulate him on his appointment, and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Commenting on his new position, Simon said: “I am really excited to be joining BBC Children in Need. I have long admired the wonderful work of the much-loved charity, and I am honoured to accept the post of Chief Executive. The Annual Appeal is a ‘must do’ moment in the country’s calendar and I’m looking forward to working with all parties to ensure that, together, we will have the maximum impact possible on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.”
Prior to joining Addaction, Simon was Chief Executive of Clubs for Young People – now known as Ambition – and chaired a national inquiry on behalf of the Centre for Social Justice, leading a commission which produced 'Dying to Belong', a comprehensive report into street gangs in the UK. He also chaired the ACEVO sponsored Public Health Commission, acted as Chair of the National Council of Voluntary Youth Services, completed a term as a non-executive director ofCAP (Community Alcohol Partnerships programme), and worked within local authorities in both Luton and Northamptonshire.
Simon will start his new role on 1st November 2016 and replaces David Ramsden, who announced his departure earlier this year after 10 years as CEO.
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Notes to Editors:
BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. We will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.
The Charity is currently supporting 2,400 projects in communities across the UK that are helping children facing a range of disadvantages for example, poverty and deprivation; children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect or disabled young people.
BBC Children in Need just reported its highest ever fundraising total for 2015, £55million. To date, the Charity has raised £848 million to change young lives.